HI2C1-15 Galleons and Galleys: Global Connections 1500-1800
Introductory description
This module considers the history of cultural interactions between different parts of the world, especially in the exchange of material artefacts, knowledge, and trade in the period 1500-1800. This one-term module follows the circulation of silver, commodities such as spices, porcelain and textiles, plants and diseases, as well as technology and ideas. It deals with the connections created between empires and across cultural and religious divides. Such contacts could lead to peace and prosperity but also to war, enslavement and destruction.
Module aims
The module introduces students to the theoretical framework of global history and recent scholarship that questions the role of early modern Europe in relation to other historical traditions and the histories of different parts of the world. By the end of the module students will gain an understanding of non-European histories, and their connections with and impact on early modern and eighteenth-century European history.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1: Empires and Global Connections, 1500-1800
Week 2: Silk and South American Silver in Asia and Europe
Week 3: Moving Plants, Diseases and Animals
Week 4: War and Imperial Expansion
Week 5: Maritime Empires and the East and West India Companies
Week 6: Reading week
Week 7: Diplomatic Gifts and Material Culture
Week 8: Scientific Knowledge and the Enlightenment
Week 9: Slavery in Global History
Week 10: Exploration and Knowledge of the Pacific
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of non-European histories, and their connections with and impact on early modern and 18th century European history.
- Communicate ideas and findings, adapting to a range of situations, audiences and degrees of complexity.
- Generate ideas through the analysis of a broad range of primary source material.
- Analyse and evaluate the contributions made by existing scholarship.
- Act with limited supervision and direction within defined guidelines, accepting responsibility for achieving deadlines.
Indicative reading list
Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module can be found on
Subject specific skills
See learning outcomes.
Transferable skills
See learning outcomes.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Tutorials | 2 sessions of 1 hour (1%) |
| Private study | 131 hours (87%) |
| Total | 151 hours |
Private study description
History modules require students to undertake extensive independent research and reading to prepare for seminars and assessments. As a rough guide, students will be expected to read and prepare to comment on three substantial texts (articles or book chapters) for each seminar taking approximately 3 hours. Each assessment requires independent research, reading around 6-10 texts and writing and presenting the outcomes of this preparation in an essay, review, presentation or other related task.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Seminar contribution | 10% | No | |
Reassessment component |
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| 1000 word reflection | Yes (extension) | ||
Assessment component |
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| 1500 word essay | 40% | Yes (extension) | |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| 3000 word essay | 50% | Yes (extension) | |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback provided via Tabula; optional oral feedback in office hours.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 2 of UENA-VQ32 Undergraduate English and History
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 2 of UHIA-V100 Undergraduate History